New beginnings for new citizens

Mayor John Harvie presented the recipients with certificates and also gifted the five adults a native plant while the two children received books by Australian authors.

Cr Harvie said it was important to make these moments memorable for the recipients.

“I think it’s lovely, we have to make these ceremonies happy, joyous and memorable for people because it’s a big deal,” he said.

“I think the fact that they get to vote and are Australian citizens, with the permanent fullest rights in Australia, is fantastic.”

The newly inducted citizens included Kevin Anderson, Vivian Cheng, Andrea Loria, Jamuna Pandey and Emma Searle and her two children, Tara and Kieran Jameson.

Before Australia, the recipients hailed from countries near and far such as the UK, Taiwan, the Philippines, Nepal and New Zealand.

Miss Loria, 18, said she and her family chose to leave the Philippines for a better quality of life.

“We moved for a better life, better education and more opportunities, I would say,” she said.

“[Australia] has a very unique culture and good people ... This is my second home and I wanted it to be more official.”

Miss Loria and her family visited Australia often before moving permanently in 2019.

Ms Cheng said she wanted to become a citizen for the security it provided.

“Australia is a very special country and the people are so friendly,” he said.

“A lot of countries don’t recognise Taiwan as a country but to be Australian, I can feel more secure.

“I would like to help the people here and to help me.”

Ms Cheng frequently visited her partner in Australia for 15 years but on her last visit, she had to remain in Australia due to COVID-19.

She has now permanently lived in Australia for the past five years and is enjoying Australian life in Barham with her partner.